Saxophone Lessons in Gales Creek, OR

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I believe that fundamentals are the most important, and these should always be a focus. However, I also understand that you play an instrument to have fun as well. I believe that there should be a mixture of hard work and play, and will often assign fundamental exercises combined with solo or duet material. I also believe there should be an overarching goal to be achieved - this could be anything from intonation, to memorizing scales, to performing a recital. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

For beginning students, I have used Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as Nancy Faber's Adventures series. For piano students, I like to use Hanon exercises to develop not only necessary musculature but also disciplined use of a metronome for practicing. For students interested in exploring music theory and/or jazz, I use the Real Book combined with my own materials explaining the theory around chord symbols, chord scales, modes, and the like. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I encourage my students to be technically proficient, musically literate, and good listeners. Having these core fundamentals down prepares my students to be able to play any style of music they choose. Lessons are always customized to fit the musical preferences of the student.  I use my preferred method books but am able to incorporate the books the student already owns within the lesson plans.  I encourage the use of technology such as smartphones, iPads, and play-a-longs as teaching aids. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My entire life, I have been dedicated to the study of music. From my early childhood education to present day gigs and songwriting, music has always been a centerpiece of my life. I have performed all around the world and am incredibly grateful for the learning experiences I have been blessed with. Around age 11 was when I first played the saxophone in jazz band, and when we started learning about chord progressions and improvising, that's what really cemented my love and study of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I've been a professional music educator for over 10 years, teaching students from elementary school to those in retirement. I love music and I love sharing it with others through performing and teaching. Watching my students' musical worlds expand is what I love best about this profession. I've played in just about every type of musical situation from orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo classical recitals to jazz bands, singer/songwriter, musical theater, world music, and avant-garde settings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Beginning piano students have used The Music Tree series. The format provides excellent reading skills and develops tonal memory and theory. Clarinet for Beginners by Avrahm Galper is the method book that has given students a foundation for whatever level they aspire to achieve. Students are encouraged to tell me what they would like to play. Overcoming performance anxiety is an important skill. I have developed a technique that has successfully overcome that problem for many students and friends.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The curriculum that I use varies according to the various orchestral instruments, singing or piano, and of course according to the levels of ability. I work with many different technique books and workbooks to teach music notation and reading.Within 3-6 months, my students will be reading notes, understanding rhythms both complex and simple, and playing and singing anything from classical to Pop to Broadway and even writing and recording (I am a recording producer as well)their own songs, if they choose! Read More